BILL NUMBER: ACR 221 AMENDED
BILL TEXT
AMENDED IN ASSEMBLY JUNE 17, 2002
INTRODUCED BY Assembly Member Nakano
JUNE 12, 2002
Assembly Concurrent Resolution No. 221--Relative to
Japanese-American World War II veterans of California.
LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
ACR 221, as amended, Nakano. Japanese-American World War II
veterans.
This measure would recognize and thank the Nisei World
War II veterans for their extraordinary and heroic service to America
during World War II , and declare that their sacrifice
and valor should forever be a reminder of the true spirit of
democracy in America.
Fiscal committee: no.
WHEREAS, The Japanese-American veterans, including the 100th
Infantry Battalion, 442nd Regimental Combat Team, Military
Intelligence Service, and other men and women who faithfully and
resolutely served America during World War II, have traveled from all
regions of California to take part in a special dedication in their
honor at the State Capitol on June 24, 2002; and
WHEREAS, That fateful day, December 7, 1941, forever changed the
lives of these Americans of Japanese ancestry, relocating many from
their homes in California to internment camps as a result of the
Presidential Executive Order 9066; and
WHEREAS, Despite their living in horrendous conditions behind
barbed wire and being classified 4C "enemy alien," these brave young
Nisei answered the call and volunteered to defend their country, the
United States of America; and
WHEREAS, The United States Army allowed them to serve in
segregated military units, including the 100th Infantry Battalion,
442nd Regimental Combat Team, and Military Intelligence Service, that
afforded them the opportunity to prove their loyalty and citizenship
through military service; and
WHEREAS, The 100th Infantry Battalion, comprised of mainly Nisei
from Hawaii, was later attached to the 442nd Regimental Combat Team
as its 1st Battalion, and valiantly fought in six major campaigns in
the European Theater, including Monte Cassino, Anzio, Po Valley, the
Liberation of Bruyeres, and the Rescue of the Lost Battalion, and is
recognized as the "Purple Heart Battalion"; and
WHEREAS, The 442nd Regimental Combat Team composed of volunteers
and draftees from Hawaii and the mainland internment camps joined the
100th Battalion in the European Theater in 1944, participating in
major battles at Belvedere, Hill 140, Bruyeres, Biffontaine, Po
Valley-Gothic Line, and the invasion of southern France; and
WHEREAS, One of the most poignant episodes of World War II
occurred on October 30 1944, in France, as the 100/442 was called up
to rescue the decimated Texans of the 36th Division who were
surrounded by the enemy; fearlessly answering the order the 100/442
saved 211 lives, while taking more that 800 casualties; and
WHEREAS, The 522nd Field Artillery Battalion, who was originally
attached to the 442nd and later assigned to the 62nd Infantry
Division, marched through Germany and in one of the most ironic
twists of World War II, liberated the Dachau concentration camp,
while their families were undeservedly residing behind barbed wire
internment camps; and
WHEREAS, America's secret weapon in the Pacific Theater, the Nisei
soldiers of the Military Intelligence Service, were dispatched to
every major battle and campaign in the Pacific as linguists who
interpreted enemy documents and radio transmissions as well as
prepared propaganda, interrogated prisoners of war and assisted with
the surrender and United States occupation after the war's end, and
whose contributions saved millions of American lives and shortened
the war in the Pacific by two years; and
WHEREAS, These valiant efforts have been recognized by the U.S.
government with numerous military awards, including 18,143 individual
decorations of which 21 are Medals of Honor,
that include 21 Medals of Honor, 52 Distinguished Service Crosses,
559 Silver Stars, with 28 Oak Leaf Clusters in lieu of second Silver
Stars awards, 8 Presidential Unit Citations, 4000 Bronze Stars, with
1,200 Oak Leaf Clusters representing second Bronze Stars, and 9,486
casualties receiving Purple Hearts, the State of California has
never formally honored the more than 30,000 Japanese-American men
and women who served in the United States Army during World War II;
now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, the Senate
thereof concurring, That the Legislature recognizes the Nisei World
War II veterans for their extraordinary and heroic service to America
during World War II and declare that their sacrifice and valor
should forever be a reminder of the true spirit of democracy in
America; and be it further
Resolved, That the Legislature thanks the 100th/442, who are
the most highly decorated military unit in the history of the United
States, and who are truly our American heroes, for their sacrifice,
courage, and service to our great nation; and be it further
Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of
this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.